With football officially back and Week 1 in the books, which means it is time to overreact to every game. How will I do my part? Well, I took on the challenge of trying to describe how each team should be feeling after their first game action in three-words. With that, let's dive in and see how each team’s performance stacks up after the first slate of games.
Thursday Night Football: Kansas City Chiefs Def. Baltimore Ravens 27-20
Kansas City Chiefs: The Heavy Favourite
As we know, the back-to-back Super Bowl Champs most recent path to the title was far for from easy. However, after their first game this season, the Chiefs retooled offense looks significantly sharper and faster than it did at the start at almost any point last year. With that, until another team knocks them off, the Chiefs remain the clear favorites to win the Lombardi Trophy again.
Baltimore Ravens: No Moral Victories
Sure, the Ravens "almost won," and while some might argue they should hold their heads high after their Week 1 loss, I personally do not care. The fact remains that Lamar Jackson came up short, specifically with those two missed throws at the end of the game. While we might be having a very different conversation if Isaiah Likely had kept both feet inbounds at the buzzer, until the Ravens get the job done, there will be no moral victories in Baltimore.
Brazil Game: Philadelphia Eagles Def. Green Bay Packers 34-29
Philadelphia Eagles: NFL's Best Offense?
Greatest debut on a new team ever? Saquon Barkely was dominant in his first game as an Eagle by scoring three touchdowns in Philly's win over Green Bay. If Jalen Hurts can cut back on turnovers and return closer to his 2022 form, to go along with Barkley, A.J. Brown, Devonta Smith and an elite offensive line, the Eagles could very well end up having the best offense in football this season.
Green Bay Packers: Love's Injury Looms
Going into this season, the Packers were among the favorites to come out of the NFC by many, now with Jordan Love set to miss about a month and with Malik Willis set to take over as QB1, there is a better chance than not that it could get late very early in terms of playoff aspirations in Green Bay this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers Def. Atlanta Falcons 18-10
Pittsburgh Steelers: Same Old Story
Steeler fans, get ready, because despite the quarterback changes, this offense still stinks. However, if you told me T.J. Watt is the second-best player in football behind Patrick Mahomes, I wouldn’t disagree with you. As long as Watt and that Steelers defense stay healthy, Pittsburgh will be in almost every game this season.
Atlanta Falcons: Not Panicking... Yet
To put nicely, Kirk Cousins looked like a guy who was coming off a torn Achilles. To be fair, having this Steelers defense coming at you in your first game coming off such a severe injury was probably not ideal. I’m not out on Atlanta yet, but with Cousins' known struggles on Monday Night Football and a trip to Philly set up as the Week 2 finale, the Falcons are staring down at an uncomfortable 0-2 start. Which is quite the contrast to an offseason that was filled with so much excitement.
Buffalo Bills Def. Arizona Cardinals 34-28
Buffalo Bills: Star Is Born?
When the Bills brought in Von Miller two years ago, they thought he could help develop a young players on their defensive line. In the season debut, Gregory Rousseau had the game of his career with three sacks. If that is a sign of things to come for the twenty-four year old, the Bills might have a rising star on their hands.
Arizona Cardinals: A Sneaky Group
Despite the loss, the Arizona Cardinals offense was very entertaining to watch in the season opener in Buffalo. With the offensive talent they have to go along with Kyler Murray, while a playoff berth may not be in the cards this year, they will still be a tough challenge for many teams this season.
Chicago Bears Def. Tennessee Titans 24-17
Chicago Bears: Lower The Expectations
Caleb Williams' debut was rough, to say the least. The number one pick completed just 14 of 29 passes for 93 yards, and despite not leading a single touchdown drive, the Bears still somehow managed to win, largely due to mistakes from Will Levis and the Titans. Heading into the year, expectations for Williams were crazy, and while things will undoubtedly improve, maybe we should slightly temper those expectations for his rookie year.
Tennessee Titans: A Blown Opportunity
Up 17-0, I still cannot believe the Titans blew this game, especially with their defense not giving up a touchdown in the process. While I wouldn’t say it’s over for Will Levis, he will need to rebound quickly and cut back on the costly mistakes that led to the Titans' Week 1 collapse in the Windy City.
New England Patriots Def. Cincinnati Bengals 16-10
New England Patriots: Good For Jerod
In his first game as Patriots head coach, Jerod Mayo's team pulled off the biggest upset of the NFL's opening weekend. While I still expect this season to be a challenging one for the Patriots, this is an excellent start for Mayo, especially given the noise surrounding his credibility by some in the Patriots fanbase as a potential replacement for Belichick.
Cincinnati Bengals: Is Burrow Healthy?
There’s no way to put this lightly, this was an embarrassing loss for the Bengals. Despite Joe Burrow's multiple claims of being healthy, he struggled to move the ball down the field, or even attempt to. Given that, I can’t help but question if Burrow's wrist is all the way back.
Houston Texans Def. Indianapolis Colts 29-27
Houston Texans: No Sophomore Slumps
After a great rookie season from their quarterback and head coach in 2023, the Texans loaded up on both sides of the ball to make a run at the Super Bowl. If our first look at Houston's revamped roster is an indication of what's ahead, there should be no expectation that Stroud and Ryans rookie season were one-offs.
Indianapolis Colts: Richardson's a Blast
I am not sure if there was a more fun player to have show up on your Redzone cast than Anthony Richardson in Week 1. AR showcased his raw athleticism and potential in his return to action after shoulder surgery last year. Everyone has seen his early contender for the throw of the year on a 60-yard bomb for a touchdown to Alec Pierce. While his accuracy is still an issue and needs to be worked on, he already very well could be one of the top five most entertaining quarterbacks in the league.
Miami Dolphins Def. Jacksonville Jaguars 20-17
Miami Dolphins: Crazy Ass Day
Definitely your non-traditional opening day. Hours before the opener, Tyreek Hill got detained but still ended up taking the field and even scoring, then giving us one of the all-time TD celebrations given the context. Then Miami, despite trailing 17-7, made an impressive second-half comeback to steal a win at home. For sure a unique way to start a season.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Pressure Mounts Early
The Jaguars blew this game, and with this collapse, the pressure in Jacksonville has already started. With the Browns coming to town this weekend and how abysmal Cleveland looked in Week 1, the Jags cannot afford to drop to 0-2 in this highly competitive AFC if they plan on returning to the post-season.
New Orleans Saints Def. Carolina Panthers 47-10
New Orleans Saints: I'm Not Convinced
An impressive win, I'll give you that, but this win did not change my opinion of the Saints. Good for them that they handled business at home, but I would not be shocked if they end up on the other side of a 47-10 final in Dallas this weekend.
Carolina Panthers: Mock Draft Season
Just one game in, and it could already be over. The key story to follow in Carolina could be whether they draft a quarterback with the number one pick if it comes to that, or will they remain fully committed to Bryce Young.
Minnesota Vikings Def. New York Giants 28-6
Minnesota Vikings: Top Notch Coaching
I don't know if the Vikings are going to have a great year, but man do they have one hell of a coaching staff. Kevin O'Connell did an excellent job of putting Sam Darnold in position for success. Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Brian Flores prepped a game plan that has now led to the Giants entire organization second-guessing everything they have done over recent years.
New York Giants: Jones Final Season
After this year, Daniel Jones can be cut without a major cap penalty for the Giants. With that, I fully expect this to be Jones' final year in the Big Apple.
Los Angeles Chargers Def. Las Vegas Raiders 22-10
Los Angeles Chargers: Typical Harbaugh Team
Run first, physical, consistent pass rush, and great protection for the quarterback. One game in, and the Chargers have already become the stereotypical Jim Harbaugh team.
Las Vegas Raiders: Worst Punt Ever?
Antonio Pierce committed a football sin late in this game. 4th & 1 from midfield in a game where both teams are struggling to score, and you punt the ball away? One of the worst in-game coaching decisions I have seen in recent memory.
Seattle Seahawks Def. Denver Broncos 26-20
Seattle Seahawks: O-line Decides Everything
I can confidently say that Mike MacDonald has already significantly improved this defense. However, the Seahawks' offensive line is still the team's biggest question mark, and if they want to be seen as a sleeper contender in the NFC, they need to be able to protect Geno Smith.
Denver Broncos: Limited Offensive Talent
In the first half, the Seahawks gifted the Broncos with two drives that started deep in Seattle territory. Unfortunately for the Broncos, those two drives resulted in only field goals and the Broncos didn't score any touchdowns until late in the fourth quarter on a Bo Nix run. This game truly showed off the glaring lack of offensive talent on this roster.
Dallas Cowboys Def. Cleveland Browns 33-17
Dallas Cowboys: Deal Got Done
Finally, after months of speculation, the Cowboys and Dak Prescott struck a deal a mere hours before their eventual domination of the Cleveland Browns. With the contract done, it's time for Prescott to hold up his end of the bargain, and get the Cowboys back to the promised land.
Cleveland Browns: Worst Trade Ever
I thought about saying "Two More Years" because of how much longer Deshaun Watson will be under contract in Cleveland after this season. However, with the way they've restructured his deal over the years, he'll still carry a $27 million cap hit in 2027. This trade is truly shaping up to be one of the worst not just in NFL history, but in the history of sports as the Browns have no way out.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Def. Washington Commanders 37-20
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Best QB Contract
Baker Mayfield was outstanding in Week 1, throwing four touchdowns in the Buccaneers win over Washington. If Mayfield can maintain the production he has had throughout his time in Tampa Bay, he very well could end up being the best bargain in the veteran quarterback market at 33 million dollars a year.
Washington Commanders: Jayden Will Entertain
Jayden Daniels is for sure going to be fun to watch all season. With the Commanders' horrible offensive line, expect plenty of movement outside the pocket scrambling that will lead to many highlight plays from last year's Heisman winner.
Detroit Lions Def. Los Angeles Rams 26-20 (OT)
Detroit Lions: Still Their Division
With Jordan Love out, the Vikings being unproven, and the Bears offense looking shaky, it is clear that the NFC North still runs through the Motor City.
Los Angeles Rams: A Costly Game
Despite almost winning, this game ended up being costly for the Rams, as not only did they start 0-1 on the season, but also had several key offensive players go down due to injury. The biggest of them being second-year receiver Puka Nacua, who will be out for at least a month with a knee injury. Ladies and Gents, get ready for 2021 Cooper Kupp numbers.
Monday Night Football: San Francisco 49ers Def. New York Jets 32-19
San Francisco 49ers: Purdy Is Good
I was incredibly impressed with Brock Purdy on Monday night against the Jets. With McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk seemingly dropping almost everything that came his way, Purdy was never rattled and picked apart this Jets defense. Truly an impressive performance.
New York Jets: Rusty or Washed?
Aaron Rodgers looked shaky, but for now, I'll give the four-time MVP the benefit of the doubt and will say it was because he had not played a full game since January 2023. That being said, it was hard not to notice that he looked noticeably slower compared to the last time we saw him on the field when he was a Packer
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